While the sign specifically mentions November, the banner is still up, and visitors to the Nordic nation are sharing it on social media. The banner was created and sponsored by Slush, a tech organization hosting a conference in Helsinki from November 30-December 1, but after visitors to the country began sharing photos of the sign on social media, it remained up despite the event ending. There were also a flurry of shares, including by Finns themselves, on December 6, which is the country's independence day. Although the weather can be brutally cold (usually hovering in the single digits just above or below zero, with slushy snow), the Finns go all out to celebrate and stay warm in the winter, with Christmas markets and festive lights along the main street Aleksanterinkatu and many bars and restaurants serving glögi, a traditional warm spiced wine mixed with almonds, raisins, and the occasional shot of vodka. In fact, Finland might even be better to visit in the winter than in the summer peak tourist season—think of it as your very own well-kept travel secret and the way to earn a "travel insider" merit badge.

Want to become a badass yourself? Consider signing up for FinnAir's stopover program, which gives you the opportunity to spend up to five days in Helsinki on either end of your trip between the United States and points in Eastern Europe—enough time to get a feel for the city and squeeze in a day trip to another Finnish city like the Medieval architecture-filled Turku. Or if you can't get away just yet, Vendela Vida's novel May the Northern Lights Erase Your Name will do a pretty good job of making you feel like you've spent an afternoon in Lapland. (Reindeer jerky and warm blankets not included.)